Last Day in Jasper

We spent a relaxing last day at the Jasper Lake Lodge; hiking, canoeing, and lunching.  The lake is called Beauvert because it looks green sometimes.  I made it green with my reflection picture.

 

 

 

 

We encountered a bull elk (bugling and huge) on our hike.  He was about 20 yards away.  Also this bighorn sheep. Sorry, no picture of the elk as we were quietly backing away.

 

 



Jasper National Park

The view from our motel porch at Saskatchewan Crossing...

and the view behind our unit.

Athabasca Falls

We took the Jasper Sky Tram to the top of Whistlers' Mountain and then hiked to the top of the mountain for incredible views.  Named Whistlers' because of the rodents who emit shrill whistles.  We didn't see any, but heard plenty of them. I think they're Hoary Marmots.

Looking down to the tram's upper station from the mountaintop.

On top (It was a long, straight uphill climb!).

Mt. Robson, BC. about 70km away.

 

 



Columbia Icefields Parkway

We returned to Banff and Jasper National Parks, after a weekend in Calgary.  Driving along the Columbia Icefields Parkway, we first stopped at Bow Lake.

Then on to the Athabasca Glacier via special bus w/ tires 5' tall.

 

We went out onto the glacier and even filled our water bottles with very clear glacial water.

 

 

 

 

Another glacier that was just to the south of the one we were on.

 

 

 

 



Spruce Meadows

I have a bit of catching up to do.  Last weekend we went to Calgary for the Spruce Meadows Masters Tournament.  Hard to imagine an equestrian event in the U.S. attracting 89,000 people. We expected to see Grand Prix jumpers, but were treated to many other sights, as well.

These men were at the front entrance - guards?

 

 

 "Art" horses.

 

 

RCMP

The Royal Guard, who escorted the victory lap for every class.

The Welsh Guard band and the Opening Ceremony for the Nations' Cup.

 

And of course, the jumpers.

 

 

 

 

 



Moraine Lake

Every place we visit is stunningly beautiful.  This is Moraine Lake, near Lake Louise.

 

Mt. Rundle in the background and Vermillion Waters (closer to Banff).

 



Lake Louise and Around

It was sunny on Thursday, still about 32 - 35 degrees and we visited Lake Louise.

 

 

We hiked UP to Lake Agnes (about 5 and 1/2 miles roundtrip, but uphill all the way).  It's a good thing that we do our altitude training at 9,000'!  The trail was beautiful.

Mirror Lake was almost at the top.

Lake Agnes and the Lake Agnes Tea House were the rewards.  Rest and Lunch.

 

 

 

 

More Snow Today

All theses pictures are from Banff, or close to Banff.

Bow Falls, Banff early today. 

A few hours later, it had stopped snowing.

Lake Minnewanka - we're beginning to see parts of mountains.  More snow predicted for tomorrow.

Bow River.

 



Arriving to Snow in Cagary!

The view from or condo in Canmore.  We're about 32k from Banff and 85k west of Calgary.

Supposedly there are mountains around here, but we could hardly see the road in front of us.

Can't wait for a clear day.  By the way, it was below freezing when we arrived.  That's not normal for this time of year and certainly not what we packed for. Brrrr.